Has testimony from every one, that is, ‘is well spoken of (or is approved) by everyone.’ This is a passive form of the verb usually rendered “to testify” (see comments on 3 John 1.3), with a decidedly favorable connotation. The perfect tense has the same force as in the preceding clause.

Every one, or ‘all men,’ probably refers only to the Christians.

The next part of the verse mentions two other witnesses who are speaking well of Demetrius, namely, the truth and the writer himself. This is done to complete the number of three witnesses, in accordance with the rule of Jewish law quoted in the note on 1 John 5.8.

From the truth: the noun is used here in the sense of “truthful behavior,” “a life in accordance with God’s will,” see 1 John 1.6, and compare 2 John 4 and 3 John 3. The phrase goes with the preceding verb.

In Greek it is possible to say that truth is “giving testimony” or “speaking well” of a person. The same seems to be the case in several receptor languages, but in others it may be impossible. Then one will have to adjust the phrase, saying, for example, ‘truth itself proves this (or gives proof about him),’ ‘his true behavior is in accordance with it (or shows him to be good).’

I testify to him too, that is, ‘I also speak well of him.’ The verb is the same as in verse 12a and has the same favorable connotation, but the form used is the present tense and in the active voice. This is to show that the present testimony or praise supports what previously has been said by others. I testify in the Greek is literally “we testify.” The plural pronoun is often used in letter writing with reference to the writer; hence Revised Standard Version‘s I. But it can also refer here to the writer and his friends. The latter interpretation seems to be slightly more probable; compare verse 15. The same holds true for my testimony, literally “our testimony,” in the next clause.

You know my testimony is true, or ‘you know that you can rely on what I say.’ By stating that the testimony is in keeping with fact, the clause stresses the trustworthiness of the writer’s words, just as this expression does in John 21.24, and in a similar one in John 19.35.

Quoted with permission from Haas, C., de Jonge, M. and Swellengrebel, J.L. A Handbook on The Third Letter of John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1972. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .